How much monetary investment is an Arcade game?

[dieourumov]

I'm very interested in buying an arcade game, either from a local place, or ebay. Let's say it's an old arcade from the early to mid 80s of pac-man or donkey kong, or something like that and it costs $500, usually how much repair and how often is repair needed to be done on these arcades?

[ClubNinja]

Do you actually mean "an arcade game"? Buying a whole arcade and maintaining it will cost lots and lots of money.

[dieourumov]

oopsy, I did meant arcade game.

[20eyes]

I bought my latest machine for $100 fully working. Its a Bally Road Runner.
Start asking around, youd be surprised what some people have just sitting around...

[MoreEbolaForYou]

cheapest i've seen a fully working game go for was $25. plenty can be had for $100.

anything in demand is going to be more, obviously. anything on ebay is going to cost more, obviously.

[Berty]

my recommendation is if its your first cab then buy something that is completely working. You'll soon find out that some semi-working cabs/games can be alot more trouble and $$$ than its worth.